AE THINK SPRING 2012

2012

Spring is in the air...

t u O & e d i s n I es i t i v i t c A e m i t m o o l B n i •Enjoy Spring s r e w e! r o M & s •Spring Flo l a i c e Sp e l a S g n i r p S •

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2 - The Eagle

March 24, 2012

Think Spring

How to maintain fresh-cut flowers for the home Fresh flowers serve many purposes. A bouquet of flowers can be a gift on a special holiday or birthday. Some people apologize with flowers, while others use flowers to convey feelings of love or appreciation. Many people like to display fresh-cut flowers in their homes because their beauty can brighten the mood indoors. Others plant rows and rows of flowers in a garden with the express purpose of cutting them and bringing them into the home.

While outdoor flowers can remain beautiful and bountiful outside, once they are cut, there is a limited amount of time before they begin to wilt and wither. But there are ways to prolong the life of cut flowers to enjoy their beauty as long as possible.

•Cut correctly. Creating a large enough surface area on the stem for the uptake of water is essential. That is why florists recommend cutting the stem on a slant to expose more area to the water.

•Place flowers in water immediately. Some people advocate cutting the stems while they're actually submerged in water. However, you will probably be fine if you simply recut the stems on flowers you brought inside and immediately put them in a vase of water. The key is not to let the tip of the stem dry out or close up with an air bubble, sap or other substances, preventing the uptake of water. Be sure to use lukewarm water so as not to shock the blooms.

•Remove leaves. Take off the leaves of the plant that would end up underwater in the vase. Exposure to the water could cause the leaves to rot and fall off, creating algae or sludge in the vase water. It also may breed extra bacteria or attract small insects to the water. However, do not to remove the thorns from roses, as this tends to shorten their shelf life.

•Choose young flowers. Mature flowers may have peaked and begun to make room for a new round of blooms, so try to choose young buds or blooms that just opened so that you'll have an opportunity to enjoy them longer.

•Create a viable water atmosphere. Once a fresh flower is cut and a stem is placed in water, bacteria and fungi can start to grow almost immediately. These microscopic organisms can clog the small tubes inside the stem that suck up water for nourishment. Many florists send home a packet of water additive to alleviate some problems in the indoor environment. The packet will contain a biocide that kills bacteria and fungi. There will be an acidifier as well as sugar. The acidifier makes the water more acidic to allow better absorption of water up the stem. The sugar is a food source for the flowers. Homeowners who cut flowers from their gardens can purchase these additives or create their own variations from items around the house. It has been said a penny in the water will kill the microorganisms because copper is a fungicide. An aspirin can make the water more acidic. You can also try small amounts of bleach, lemon-lime soda or even antiseptic mouthwash.

•Keep flowers away from ... Don't place cut flowers next to fruit, which gives off gases as it ripens, causing flowers to age faster. Also, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and try to keep them in a cool place.

•Change the water. Keep on top of water maintenance by changing it at least every 2 to 3 days to maintain good water health. Be sure to replace the additives each time you change the water.

By following a few strategies you can keep fresh-cut flowers lasting longer for enjoyment.

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March 24, 2012

Think Spring

The Eagle - 3

How to prevent lawn damage in the spring Many homeowners aspire toward a pristine and lush lawn. For some a nice lawn gives them feelings of pride.

Others believe a perfect lawn enables them to have the best-looking house in the neighborhood. Many homeowners spend hours outdoors perfecting their lawns or spend a good deal of money hiring professionals to make their lawn more appealing. But just because a lawn looks good now doesn't mean it will look good later. That's because delicate grass can be damaged by a number of different factors.

Grubs Grubs are not very lawn-friendly. Grubs are actually the larval stage of different types of large beetles. These wormlike creatures feed on the roots of grass and are able to kill large sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount of time. It can sometimes be difficult to discern whether grubs, drought or another other pest has damaged a lawn.

One way to check is to grab a portion of the damaged lawn and attempt to peel it back. If it comes back easily like a piece of carpet, it's likely grubs. Spotting grubs underneath is a sure sign these larvae are killing the lawn.

Using an insecticide for grub control in July can help kill off grubs that start hatching in August through September.

Grub eggs do well in sunny patches of lawn that are well watered. More shade may deter them. There's also the option of letting the lawn go dormant and not watering it, but you will be left with a brown, unappealing lawn.

Burrowing Animals

uncomfortable for voles and moles to tunnel through.

Moles can also be controlled with traps. Finding active mole tunnels will help you place the traps effectively to either kill or simply contain the mole. The live animal can be relocated to a site where they won't cause trouble.

Lawn damage can occur through a number of different factors. Finding out the cause can help you find an effective treatment.

Pet Urine Pets can also damage a lawn. Pet urine can create burnt patches and significant discoloration on the lawn, particularly if the dog or cat uses one area consistently as their potty zone.

The best way to prevent urine damage is to walk your

dog so that he or she will not have free reign of the yard.

However, sometimes dogs get out or stray cats and dogs visit your yard and relieve themselves without your knowledge. So this method is not foolproof. Therefore, you should take added action to maintain a lush lawn.

First, make sure that soil and lawn is in good health by fertilizing and taking care of it properly. Second, water can dilute urine and neutralize its corrosive properties. Some have found that diluted urine can often act as a fertilizer to grass. You may have noticed that the outside ring of a urine-burned spot is often greener than the healthy lawn.

Try to dilute the urine prior to 8 hours having elapsed for the best effect.

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Moles and voles are among the more common lawn damage culprits. Voles are small rodents that resemble mice but have stouter bodies, shorter tails and rounder heads. They feast on everything from bulbs, succulent roots, ground cover, and even dead animals in their paths. Their burrows enable them to move around relatively undetected, typically until the damage has already been done.

Moles, although they have a similar-sounding name, are not related to voles and look very different. They have a cylindrical body shape with velvety fur, very small or invisible ears and large paws for digging. Moles often feed on earthworms and other small invertebrates found in the soil. The burrows they create are essentially traps for the worms, who fall into the burrows, where moles easily access them. Moles often stockpile worms for later consumption in underground larders.

Voles can be kept away with natural vole predators, such as cats, hawks, owls and snakes. Mouse traps can also capture voles when baited. You may also dig sharp materials or chicken wire into your soil around planting beds to make it

4 - The Eagle

March 24, 2012

Think Spring

Maps reveal new plant hardiness zones in U.S., Canada

Gardeners rely on a number of factors when deciding on what to plant in their gardens and around their property.

One of the most important things to take into consideration is the climate.

Since 1960, the go-to source for climate and relation to agriculture has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone map. In 1967, Agriculture Canada developed their own map that took into consideration Canadian plant survival data and a wider range of climatic variables. The maps remained constant until now.

In January 2012, the USDAreleased an updated zone map. The map is now more precise and reflects microclimates, heat islands, prevailing wind, elevation, and generally better data. It breaks down the country into 13 unique zones from the previous 11. Individuals who once resided in a particular zone may find that they are now moved into another zone. This updated map has taken into consideration climate changes that have occurred between 1976 and 2005. You now may be able to try plants that you may have been skeptical about in the past.

The new map now offers a Geographic Information System, orGIS, -based, interactive format and is specifically designed to be Internet-friendly. The map website also incorporates a "find your zone by ZIP code" function. Static images of national, regional and state maps have also been included to ensure the map is readily accessible to those who lack broadband Internet access.

The new version of the map includes 13 zones, with the

addition for the first time of zones 12 (50-60 degrees F) and 13 (60-70 degrees F). Each zone is a 10-degree Fahrenheit band, further divided into A and B 5-degree Fahrenheit zones.

A hardiness zone describes a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone.

Summer temperatures are not factored into the mix.

Therefore, areas with similar winter patterns and average lows may be in the same zone despite having drastically different highs. Hardiness zones may not take into consideration snow cover, either. Snow helps insulate the soil and

hibernating plants. Therefore hardiness zones are more like guidelines instead of foolproof methods of determining viable plants.

Although a poster-sized version of this map will not be available for purchase from USDA, as in the past, anyone may download the map free of charge from the Internet onto their personal computer and print copies of the map as needed.

When shopping for plants, most will display a hardiness zone right on the container to help you determine whether this particular plant will be acceptable outdoors in your zone. To learn more about hardiness zones, visit www.usda.gov or http://planthardiness.gc.ca.

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March 24, 2012

The Eagle - 5

Think Spring

Go green in your garden this spring, summer

Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, one that allows gardeners to escape from the daily grind and soak up some sun. As rewarding as gardening can be, it's even more so when gardeners ply their trade in an ecofriendly way.

Gardening with the environment in mind is something many gardeners might do already without even knowing it.

The following are a few ways to garden in a way that's mutually beneficial to gardeners and the environment.

•Use mulch to conserve resources and reduce reliance on fertilizers. Conserving resources is one of the best ways to help the environment, and applying mulch is a great way to conserve water. Mulch helps the soil retain water, keeping the water from evaporating into the air, which means less watering for gardeners who want to keep their gardens looking lush and healthy.

In addition to helping conserve water, mulch can also help reduce reliance on fertilizers. That's because mulch provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, providing an eco-friendly alternative for gardeners who don't want to rely on fertilizers to deliver nutrients to their soil.

•Plant more flowers. Planting flowers is another ecofriendly way to garden. Native flowers, in particular, can help maintain an area's natural ecosystem, providing food and shelter for insects and other wildlife.

More flowers and plants around the property also means there will be significantly less grass to mow, which reduces the amount of gas necessary to mow that grass in the warmer weather and the amount of greenhouse gases the lawn mower produces. In addition, less grass means less need for fertilizers and pesticides to maintain that grass.

•Choose gardening tools and products with the environment in mind. Veteran gardeners have a host of tools that help tackle every problem imaginable. But many older tools or gardening products might not be made of recycled materials. When shopping for gardening tools, whether you're a beginner who needs everything or a veteran gardener whose tools have seen better days, choose products made from recycled materials. For example, many gardeners use mats to help reduce stress on their knees when kneeling down to garden. When buying a new mat, choose one made from recycled tires.

But emphasizing recycled products shouldn't stop at the tool shed. Mulch, for instance, can be made from recycled

rubber and won't impact the environment in a negative way. Just be sure to purchase recycled mulch that is nontoxic and does not consume natural resources.

•Live and let live. Insects might be a nuisance, but they can also be a gardener's best friend. Spraying insecticide simply because insects can be pesky is shortsighted and impractical. Certain spiders prey on other insects that can be harmful to a garden, while butterflies and bees help pollenate flowers. Earthworms are also very beneficial to a garden, helping to aerate and fertilize the soil and enabling plants to grow by removing harmful matter from the soil.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, one that is even more so when gardeners institute eco-friendly practices.

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6 - The Eagle

March 24, 2012

Think Spring

Tips when creating an outdoor living space Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The home improvement boom has shown many homeowners just how easy it can be to transform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to the personalities of the home's residents.

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of the home's interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects. * Strategically place the space. Property often dictates where the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it's easily accessible from the inside of the home. For instance, if residents need to walk out the front door to access an outdoor living space in the backyard, then residents might find the area is too inconveniently located and they won't make the most of the space. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it's easily accessible from the home's interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside. * Emphasize comfort. Many homeowners look at their outdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that's more sturdy and roomy so you won't feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don't forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. But keep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case. * Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area make for great memories. But such nights are nearly impossible if the area doesn't have some lighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luau feel might prefer solar-powered accent lights, which won't require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps.

Whatever your preference, don't forget to have some lighting so those summer evenings spent under the sky don't have to end when the sun goes down. * Keep the design consistent with your home. In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home's resale

value. However, homeowners who have one eye on R&R and the other on resale value should keep the design of their outdoor living space consistent with their home. One of the goals when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home's interior to its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designs of both living spaces consistent. * Don't forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the

dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s'mores and share stories. But even when guests aren't coming over, a fire pit makes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.

With more and more homeowners transforming their homes into their own private sanctuaries, outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity. By employing a few simple tricks of the trade, homeowners can create the outdoor areas of their dreams.

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March 24, 2012

The Eagle - 7

Think Spring

Things to know before building a deck Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.

One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home.

Decks are beneficial in many ways.

Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the evening hours.

But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins. * Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it.

Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again. * Decks don't have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it's probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that's perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable. * Decks don't have to be made of wood. It's easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it's not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance.

But homeowners should know that man-

made materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes. * Expect to do some digging. If you're going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck's weight. Just how deep you'll dig depends on your climate's specific frost line, but it's safe to assume you'll get a workout in when digging. * The deck can have multiple levels.

Though many people associate decks with one level, it's possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don't have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day. * You will want to protect the deck.

Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you're building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you've finished painting, apply sealant, whether it's oil- or water-based. * Don't forget fasteners. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.

A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.

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8 - The Eagle

March 24, 2012

Think Spring

Share the road safely with cyclists this spring Streets provide means of transportation for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When so many different people come together on the roadways, particularly of varied shapes and sizes, there's the potential for safety problems if everyone isn't working together.

Although most drivers must pass a test and driver education classes, including practice on roadways, the same testing measures are not in place for cyclists. Even though bicycles are not powered vehicles, they are governed by the same rules of the road as trucks, cars and motorcycles.

While there may be the potential for injury, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that it is relatively low when safety procedures are met. At the forefront of bicycle safety is wearing a helmet. Males of the age 9 to 15 cycling in the summer without a helmet make up the highest number of bicycle incidents in the United States, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Even with low incidences of bicycle-related injuries, it may still be prudent for avid cyclists to take a class or refresh their knowledge of bicycle rules of the road. In most areas of North America, bicycles and tricycles can be operated on all roads unless otherwise prohibited. Areas where bicycles are often prohibited include bridges and tunnels. A drivers' license is not needed to operate a bicycle, but rules may vary if the bicycle is powered or has been modified with a small engine. It is best to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine the rules where you live.

Cyclists must ride on the same side of the road as vehicular traffic and in the same direction. Just like motorists, cyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals. Both cyclists and motorists should yield the right-of-way to each other -- one does not have preference in right of way.

Many cyclists fail to signal their turns and ride in a predictable manner. This can be dangerous and lead to accidents. Hand signals can be used to indicate turning intentions if electronic signals are not installed. If riding at night or during dusk, a headlight and reflectors can help promote visibility, as can a rear, red flashing light.

Riding on roads is not as safe as riding on sidewalks, but most cities and towns prohibit the riding of bicycles on sidewalks, particularly in urban centers. When any riding is done, a helmet should be worn for personal safety -- it also may be the law.

Because bicycles may be harder to see and hear than cars and motorcycles, there are some other safety precautions cyclists can take to avoid accidents.

•Do not ride in the blind spots of other vehicles.

•Do not assume you can overtake or pass a vehicle that has the power to go much more quickly than you.

•Do not follow cars too closely to allow for adequate reaction time.

•Wear light colored or reflective clothing so that motorists can see you on the road.

•Use a bell or horn for further indication that you are in the area.

•Do not assume that because you are on a bicycle you can dart in and out of traffic.

•Be aware of parked cars on the side of the road.

SmartMotorist.com says that approximately 5 percent of bicycle accidents occur when someone opens a parked car

door in front of an oncoming bike.

Along the same vein, motorists can be more aware of cyclists on the road.

•Give cyclists a safe distance when passing.

•Slow down when passing a cyclist.

•Do not assume you have dominance over the cyclist.

•Do not try to goad the cyclist or scare him or her by veering in the direction. This cat-and-mouse game can be dangerous.

Cyclists and motorists can share the streets safely when they use some common sense and follow the same rules of the road.

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March 24, 2012

The Eagle - 9

Think Spring

Oh, 'deer': Get the facts about this road hazard Deer can be found all over the country, and healthy deer populations are increasingly creeping into residential and urban areas seeking food and mates thanks to developments encroaching on deer habitats. This increases the chances of motorists having run-ins with deer on the roadways around their homes and places of business.

State Farm(R) estimates that 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States during the two-year period between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010. That number marks a 21.1 percent increase in the number of incidents from statistics gathered just five years earlier. West Virgina and Iowa rank first and second, respectively, as the states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer.

Vehicular crashes can cause serious damage to a car and even be fatal. According to National Geographic, the average whitetailed deer can stand at 6-feet-tall and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. That animal stands as a formidable foe should a collision with a car occur. It may seem like one is hitting into a barrier or an impenetrable object.

Although fall, when deer are migratory and seeking mates, is the prime season for collisions with deer, collisions can occur throughout the year.

The spring is when females give birth to their young, so speckled fawns may inadvertently dart across the road with mothers chasing after them. The displacement of deer habitats due to urban sprawl also magnifies the problem of risking an accident with deer.

There are certain tips that can reduce the chances of a deer and vehicle collision.

•Keep in mind that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. At dusk, they may be harder to see.

•Take note of posted deer crossing signs.

These are erected in places where deer are most actively crossing.

•Deer generally travel in herds. So drivers who see one deer should expect to see others nearby.

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•Use high beams when driving at night to better illuminate rural areas.

•Drive slowly in areas where deer are likely to be, such as by open fields.

•Car-mounted deer whistles are not a

reliable deterrent.

•Do not swerve erratically to avoid a deer collision. This can result in a collision with another car and increase risk of injury and damage.

In areas where deer collisions are prevalent, extra insurance coverage may be needed on vehicles. Therefore, drivers should speak with their insurance providers.

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10 - The Eagle

March 24, 2012

Think Spring

With warmer weather, potluck’s back — Let’s Eat! Call it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for those of us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty home cooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this year's hottest trends in entertaining.

Although these communal "luck of the pot" meals (where everyone brings their favorite dish) hearken back to the late 19th century, they found their footing in the mid-1950's when it seemed like every mom in the neighborhood was filling casserole dishes for church socials and family gettogethers.

"There are three primary reasons driving the return of potluck -- our schedules, the economy and childhood memories," says Chef Jeff Gillis, www.CelebratingHome.com.

"We live such fast-paced lives that divvying up the cooking makes home entertaining more realistic than putting all of the burden on the hostess. Making one dish instead of several also helps stretch the budget -- something we're all looking to do these days. And, let's face it -- after years of dashing through the drive-thru, wouldn't you like to sit

Bean Pot Beef Stew This twist on an American favorite yields a hearty, flavorful entree that takes less prep time because it slow cooks in the oven in a bean pot.

Ingredients: 1 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes 6 cups beef broth (or stock) 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme 3 bay leaves 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrots, diced Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Rub steak with olive oil and coat with salt and pepper.

Let steak sit at room temperature in bean pot while preparing all other vegetables. Chop and dice everything, then add to bean pot. Add beef broth (or stock), thyme, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper.

Cover and bake in 375 F oven for 3 to 4 hours until meat is tender. *Recipe courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com.

down to some home-cooked food, even if it's only once a week?"

Got potluck fever but not a clue what to do? Here are four tips that'll make your next gathering both tasty and stylish, plus, a family-fave recipe that'll put your home on the map as potluck heaven.

Organize Participants Divide the meal by categories so guests will have a balance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts from which to choose. Cooks needn't commit to a specific recipe but it's helpful to know up-front that a well-rounded meal is in the making.

Agree on Advance Prep All dishes should be cooked prior to arrival so only a quick re-heating is required. Everything should also hit

your doorstep ready for presentation to avoid last minute searches for serving bowls and platters.

Choose Easy-Fix, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes To appeal to guests varying tastes, save the exotic for later and dust off mom's (or grandma's) cookbook.

Traditional potluck dishes like casseroles, chili, soup, bread, and cakes are always popular and easy to make.

Dress Up the Table Remember the special tablecloth mom used for Sunday dinner? Create some memories for your own family with a pretty fabric tablecloth, cloth napkins (pretty and ecofriendly!) and some candles. A few minutes is all it takes to create a festive look that'll make guests feel honored to have gathered around your table.

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March 24, 2012

The Eagle - 11

Think Spring

How to floodproof your home this spring Homeowners know no home is perfect.

While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventually experiences a problem or two. Many problems are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that diligent homeowners can prevent.

One of those preventable problems is flooding. Any home with floor drains or plumbing fixtures below street level can flood, and this can be due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainstorms, local sewer system backup, or groundwater swelling. Flooding can even occur in the spring when melting occurs as the air temperature increases. While homeowners won't be able to control the weather, they

can take steps to floodproof their home.

•Do some preventive landscaping. If the ground around the home's foundation slopes toward the house, make some grading changes so that the ground slopes away from the home.

•Insulate the heating ducts. Some home heating ducts are under the basement floor.

In such homes, homeowners should make sure these ducts are properly insulated and watertight.

•Make sure the vents all lead outside the home. The weather can cause moisture issues, but some moisture problems can come from inside the home as well. Clothes dryers and bathrooms are both internal

moisture sources, and these sources should always be vented outside the home.

•Clean gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned to ensure water is effectively being diverted away from the home. Clean gutters and downspouts in the spring after a long winter, and do so again in the fall to keep fallen leaves from blocking the flow of water.

Downspouts should extend four feet from the outside wall of the house.

•Inspect the home at least once a year.

Before buying a home, buyers often hire a professional inspector to ensure the home is safe and sound. But the inspections should not stop once buyers sign on the dotted line. To prevent flooding, homeowners should inspect their home's foundation for cracks once a year. If the home has a chim-

ney and fireplace, check for cracks there as well. If any cracks are discovered, consult a professional immediately.

•Clean out basement drains. Basement drains should be cleaned annually from the house to the street. If the drains are still slow after cleaning, then clean them more than once a year.

•When leaving the home for an extended period of time, turn the water valve off.

Homeowners worried about flooding can calm those fears when going on vacation or another long trip by turn the water valve off at the source. This ensures that, should a line break while no one is home, water will not pump into the house.

Floodproofing a home can save homeowners from potentially costly repairs and unsightly damage to a home's interior.

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12 - The Eagle